What are you reading? "Sunrise on the Reaping" by Suzanne Collins

 Noelia's contribution

The book

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I return to the world of The Hunger Games with Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins, this time following Haymitch Abernathy twenty-five years before he becomes the mentor we know from the original trilogy.

At first, I expected this book to feel very similar to the previous novels, and in some ways it does. However, Collins introduces new layers that make the story stand out. The novel explores the manipulation of the media in the service of the government, as well as the use of fear and emotional coercion to control the population. These themes feel especially relevant and add depth to the narrative beyond the action and survival elements.

That said, the book is not without its flaws. Some chapters felt slow and, at times, fairly predictable, which affected the pacing for me.

Despite this, I would still recommend it. Beyond expanding the history of Panem and giving me a deeper understanding of Haymitch, the novel raises thought-provoking moral questions about resistance, sacrifice, and the price of fighting against an oppressive regime. One question stayed with me long after I finished the book: how much would you be willing to lose to bring down a dictatorship?

Overall, Sunrise on the Reaping is a worthwhile addition to the series, offering both an engaging story and plenty of food for thought.

The Author

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Suzanne Collins is an American author best known for writing The Hunger Games series, one of the most successful young adult dystopian franchises of all time. Before becoming a novelist, she worked as a writer for children's television programs. Her books are praised for combining fast-paced storytelling with thought-provoking themes such as war, political oppression, media manipulation, and social inequality. Since the publication of The Hunger Games in 2008, Collins has become one of the most influential contemporary authors in young adult literature.

What are you reading? "Born a Crime" by Trevor Noah

 Ana Melendo's contribution

The Book

Amazon

Through this book, we discover the History of South Africa during and just after apartheid. There is also the story of people, so many and so different. And eventually, of some persons leaving around the protagonist, emphasising the figure of the mother.  The book relates very well the complexity of the relations between different communities. 

Through this biography we understand quite well life after the end of apartheid. It’s at the same time a scathing portrait of South Africa and a magnificent story of filial love. And what’s more, it is written in a very clear style.

It would be a pleasure for me to talk about this book if anyone else read it.

And thank you to Marta who recommend it in our last meeting!

Ana Melendo

The Author

Amazon

Trevor Noah is a South African comedian, writer, television host, and political commentator. Born in Johannesburg in 1984 during the apartheid era, he grew up in a society deeply divided by race. His unique background and sharp observational humor helped him build a successful career in stand-up comedy, first in South Africa and later on the international stage.

A major turning point in Noah’s career was the publication of Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood in 2016. The memoir takes its title from the fact that his birth was technically illegal under apartheid laws because his mother was Black and his father was White. The book combines personal stories, humor, and social commentary, earning widespread critical acclaim and becoming an international bestseller.

The success of Born a Crime greatly expanded Noah’s global reputation, establishing him not only as a comedian but also as a respected author and storyteller.